Northampton County now owns its Human Services building, located at 2801 Emrick Boulevard in Bethlehem Township. It had been leasing the building for $1.05 million per year. It was also paying $190,000 per year in taxes. It purchased the building for $14.5 million on March 27, exercising an option that became available this year.

For years, former Executive John Stoffa had argued for a single centralized building for 80,000 clients who often need services from several departments. His vision has become reality.

Ironically, Stoffa was unable to see the realization of his dream yesterday. He’s been sidelined by a disease affecting his mobility. Though absent, he was the first person thanked by Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure.

Before this acquisition, Human Services were split up at locations in Easton and Bethlehem. This meant that people who needed services from several departments would have to visit both locations.

The Governor Wolf building,located in Easton, was plagued with all kinds of problems, including asbestos. Caseworkers complained that children there for supervised visitation were exposed to lead-based paint and even guano.

Nevertheless, Stoffa was accused of just wanting a building named after him.

The building is simply called the Human Services Building.